Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund opens 2024 fundraising | News | nola.com

Volunteers display toys for children to choose during the 128th The Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund gift distribution Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at the Xavier University Convocation Center in New Orleans.

Through good times and bad over the past 128 years, families across metro New Orleans could rely on The Times-Picayune's annual Doll and Toy Fund giveaway to make the Christmas holidays a little brighter.

The Doll and Toy Fund, which will have its 129th toy giveaway event Dec. 14 in New Orleans, is kicking off its annual drive to raise money to purchase toys for children who might not otherwise receive a present. Addressed envelopes for donations are included in the Sunday editions of The Times-Picayune. Donations can also be made online.

"We rely solely on the generosity of the community," said Maurice A. Brown, chair of the Doll and Toy Fund. "We want every child to experience the magic of the holiday season. The contributions that we receive will make the difference."

Last year, over 12,000 toys were distributed, Brown, a longtime board member, said. The toys range from dolls to scooters to footballs to electronic toys.

Volunteer Keith Taylor, a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, hand out bags of fresh fruit to children and parents during the 128th The Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund gift distribution Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at the Xavier University Convocation Center in New Orleans.

"There are still many who struggle to make ends meet," he said. "We believe this is a dire need for our community. We're bringing joy to a lot of kids.

"Our community cares."

The annual toy giveaway is open to children across the metro area. Besides The Times-Picayune, major sponsors are WVUE-Fox 8, Entergy and Element.

Volunteer Elvator Taylor, right, shows toys to children during the 128th The Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund gift distribution Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at the Xavier University Convocation Center in New Orleans. Years ago Taylor visited the Doll and Toy Fund to get presents for her children. As her living situation improved, she returned to volunteer at the Doll and Toy Fund, and now volunteers alongside her daughter and grandchildren.

In addition to donations, the Doll and Toy is also seeking volunteers to help set up and staff the toy distribution event at the Xavier Unversity Convocation Center in New Orleans.

For more information, visit the fund's webpage at www.tpdollandtoyfund.org/. Donations can also be mailed to The Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund, P.O. Box 61065, New Orleans, La., 70161-9979.